The County of San Diego’s Vector Control Program is scheduled to conduct pesticide spraying in several neighborhoods around the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon after finding increasing numbers of adult mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in the area.

Vector Control will use a truck-mounted ultra-low-volume sprayer to apply a pesticide to reduce the numbers of adult mosquitoes and protect the public. The pesticide has been used safely in California for many years.

Weather permitting, spraying is scheduled to take place between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. Wednesday in the following areas: communities north of Los Peñasquitos Lagoon including the areas between Seapoint Townhomes and Pointe Del Mar bounded by Carmel Valley Road on the south, Interstate 5 on the east to the northern junction of Portofino Circle and Portofino Drive, and Highway 101 (North Torrey Pines) on the west.

Additional spraying may be done at the same hours Thursday and Friday.

Ultra-low-volume spraying is often used to treat large areas and control vectors like mosquitoes by emitting very small droplets to ensure even coverage with low amounts of pesticide.

The pesticide, Pyrenone 25-5, poses low risks to people and pets. However, people who would prefer to avoid or minimize their exposure to the pesticide can take simple steps:

Stay inside and bring pets indoors if possible

Close doors and windows, and turn off fans that bring outdoor air inside the home

Cover ornamental fishponds to avoid direct exposure

Rinse fruits and vegetables from your garden with water before cooking or eating

Beekeepers and those with insects kept outdoors are encouraged to shelter hives and habitats during treatments

You may resume normal activities 30 minutes after the treatment each morning

The County’s Vector Control Program has increased its mosquito trapping and testing in the areas around Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, and conducted both aerial and ground-based larvicide treatments to the lagoon area to kill mosquito larvae before they can become adults. But because of current breeding conditions, Vector Control has found increasing numbers of adult mosquitoes, some carrying West Nile virus, making spraying necessary to help protect the public.

West Nile virus is mainly a bird disease, but it can be transmitted to people by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds animals and then bite humans. Most people who become infected never get sick and may never know they had the virus, but it can be deadly in very rare cases. Last year, 44 San Diego County residents tested positive for West Nile virus and six died.

In addition to spraying, the County is urging people throughout the county to remember to protect themselves from mosquitoes, by wearing insect repellents and proper clothing, and by following the County’s “Prevent, Protect, Report” guidelines.

Prevent mosquito breeding sites. Every week, dump out and clean containers that hold water inside and outside homes, from equipment to toys, flower pots, old tires, anything that can collect water. Fill plant saucers with sand or fine gravel so water won’t form pools where mosquitoes can breed.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Use insect repellent, preferably one containing DEET. Make sure the screens on your windows and doors are in good condition, do not have holes or tears, and are secured to keep insects out.

Report if you are being bitten by mosquitoes during daylight hours, or if you find mosquitoes that match the description of the yellow-fever mosquito or Asian tiger mosquito, by contacting the Vector Control Program at (858) 694-2888 or vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.

For more information on West Nile virus and mosquito control, contact the County of San Diego Vector Control Program at (858)-694-2888 or visit the program website at www.SDVector.com.

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